14th December 2005

Hong Kong Trade and Development Symposium Session 1.3: Globalization and WTO rules in Trade of Food and Agricultural Products


Agenda

Introduction of the Event by the Chair H. de Haen, Assistant Director-General, Economic and Social Department, FAO

A. WTO Agreement on Agriculture Rules contributing to development:
(i) Overview and issues. How WTO AoA rules can benefit developing and least developed countries, including their growth and competitiveness? by Alexander Sarris, Director, Commodities and Trade Division, FAO
(ii) Discussion opener: The perspective of producers byJack Wilkinson President IFAP
(iii) Discussion opener: The perspective of consumers by Antoine Bouet, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI

Discussion

B. Food and agricultural product standards: the views from producers and consumers
(i) Overview and issues. Enabling developing countries to meet international food and agriculture trade standards by Alan Randell, former Secretary, Codex Alimentarius Commission
(ii) Discussion opener: The perspective of the food industry by Samuel J. Ochieng, Chief Executive, Consumer Information Network (CIN), Kenya
(iii) Discussion opener: The perspective of producers by Willem-Jan Laan, Agricultural Economic Adviser, Unilever Best Foods

Discussion

Summary and Conclusions.

Organisers

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

International Federation Agricultural Producers (IFAP)

Consumers International (CI): Consumers International was founded in 1960 as the International Organisation of Consumers Unions (IOCU) by a group of national consumer organisations. The group recognised that they could build upon their individual strengths by working across national borders. The organisation rapidly grew and soon became established as the voice of the international consumer movement on issues such as product and food standards, health and patients’ rights, the environment and sustainable consumption, and the regulation of international trade and public utilities. Consumers International is an independent, non-profit organisation. Its Head Office is based in London, with Regional Offices in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Santiago (Chile) and Harare (Zimbabwe), and in London, UK. Website: www.consumersinternational.org